MPE welcomes EU recyclability and sustainability provisions that many companies in the industry are already complying with

The Council of the European Union formally adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Following prior approval by the European Parliament in November, this step marks the conclusion of an intensive legislative process. Metal Packaging Europe (MPE) welcomed this vote and considers it a significant milestone in advancing the objectives of the EU Green Deal.

MPE welcomed the introduction of specific provisions on recyclability and highlighted that rigid metal packaging already meets many of the sustainability requirements of the PPWR. In particular, they exceed the minimum recycling rates, with 80.5% for steel (2022) and 76% for aluminum cans (2021).

MPE found the introduction of a definition of high quality recycling particularly commendable, as this concept had previously been used in packaging legislation and in the Waste Framework Directive without a clear definition.
MPE also supported the introduction of a mandatory Deposit and Return System (DRS), but felt that more progress could have been made with regard to aluminum beverage containers. MPE stated that. “we believe that high quality recycling is essential to develop secondary raw material markets, contribute to Europe’s resource independence and achieve the EU’s circularity targets.”

MPE also expressed some disappointment with this measure, stating that. “the adoption of reuse targets does not adequately consider the complementary roles of recycling and reuse, nor the contribution of highly recyclable and recycled packaging formats to the circular economy.”

Discussions will now focus on secondary legislation. Looking ahead to implementation in the coming years, MPE CEO Krassimira Kazashka said: “Achieving the objectives of the PPWR will require the active participation of all stakeholders in the packaging sector. As representatives of the rigid metal packaging industry, we are eager to contribute. Aluminum and steel are permanent materials and circular resources that will be available for future generations. Metal is the perfect packaging partner for a circular economy.”